I just saw that as breaking news.
He was clearly not a well man when he attended the Easter Sunday blessing but I wasn’t expecting him to depart this world quite that quickly.
They only just wheeled him out yesterday to address the Easter Sunday crowd.
Apparently he was under doctor’s orders to take it easy.
He was - in my impression - always a man of his own will.
So doctors‘ advice or not, he probably files those under „recommendations“.
The world has lost a fierce and fearless fighter for peace, justice and equality - within the walls of the Catholic Church and beyond.
He will be sorely missed, soon.
One of my favorite episodes was when early after the papal election , he took a coach flight instead of using a dedicated jet like previous popes.
2025 is not shaping up to be a good year.
I just saw the news about Pope Francis and I have to say, I didn’t realize he was so unwell til a few weeks ago when he was dealing with that double pneumonia. It’s really sad to hear he’s passed away, especially a day after he made a public appearance to engage with his followers and delivered the Easter Sunday blessing. I wonder if he came to say farewell to evryone.
As the leader of the Roman Catholic Church who valued Christian liturgy so deeply, if I were him, I think I would have preferred to pass on Good Friday as it’s such a significant day of mourning. Dying on a day that’s all about reflection and sorrow seems more fitting than on Easter Monday, which is all about celebration and joy.
I really don’t wish anyone to pass away during an important event of their faith, a major public holiday, or even on or close to that person’s birthday or a loved one’s. It just feels like the worst timing possible. It’s definitely a sad moment.
We knew he was unwell and many were surprised he had recovered enough for another audience. In fact, you might even call it a miracle. RIP Pope Francis. He was a good man, a good pope and a role model. Hopefully the next pope will also be chosen as wisely.
I thought I’d never care, but I do.
Some year ago I was out having lunch with my mom. By chance one of those church ladies joined our table. I prepared myself to be bored to sleep…then, I start to listen something about to take care of Earth. Maybe I did fell asleep and I’m dreaming. My mom engages on the discussion about environmental conservation. Mom’s friend asks if we aware of the new Encyclical and we say no. Then, she asks why we know about environmental conservation if we’re so far removed from the church. I roll my eyes…
So, there’s a new Pope encyclical where something about the “environment” is discussed. I get intrigued and find this after coming back home:
While I’m not fan of the Church, this Op-Ed…errr, Encyclical opened the door to several discussions I never imagined possible. Not bad Francisco, hope this door stays open.
I have had mixed feelings about him let’s put it this way. RIP.
So what are the circumstances surrounding his sudden death? As usual no info from this Vatican!
Except that they issued a statement, and he’s been battling double pneumonia for the past few weeks? Oh, and he’s 88.
Why would they give intimate details of his life and health to all and sundry?
It was well known that he had been suffering from double pneumonia and he was clearly very weak, why would they need to elaborate further?
Well did he die in his sleep or collapse or…? These are not so intimate details!
They’re also irrelevant. Not to mention, private. Why all the tinfoil hattery anyway?
Plenty of details online, you just need to look in the right place: Italian newspapers.
They are totally irrelevant so why are you so desperate to know?
My relationship with the Church has been… complicated, to say the least.
I am surprised at how much Francis’ death saddens me. He was one of the few remaining advocates for social justice as a primary aspect of faith.
At a time when a large part of the Church hierarchy have embraced a movement I cannot reconcile with the faith I was raised in, without Francis I fear the direction the Church may take. I hope I am wrong.
Francis seemed to be, on the whole, a good man. Requiescat in pace.
One the Holy Father’s final meetings yesterday was with JD Vance, whom he has disagreed with violently over the treatment of immigrants and the conflict in Gaza.
It reminds me of the last meeting The Queen had with another obnoxious politician before she passed away.
Anyway RIP - he was first Pope from Latin America and a man who made kindness and love part of his doctrine.
Yeah, I read about that, too.
In any case, he‘ll be back soon for the funeral and the inauguration.
Not sure if Trump wants to make it.